Field Device Self-Verification Unit for Rapid Soundness Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying the soundness of field devices are inefficient due to slow communication speeds, requiring extensive time to acquire and verify multiple parameters or large amounts of data, which hampers the speed and efficiency of the checking operation.
Innovation Solution
A field device equipped with an operation verifying unit and a simulated signal generating circuit that allows for internal verification of soundness using internal parameters and simulated measurement signals, eliminating the need for external devices and reducing data transmission time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication is performed using a communication signal superimposed on the output signal of the field device, then the field device can transmit data using existing communication infrastructure, but the communication speed is low and much time is required to acquire parameters or data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signal processing unit as an intermediary component that separates the communication signal from the output signal path. This mediator enables independent communication channels, allowing data to be transmitted without being superimposed on the output signal, thereby resolving the speed limitation while maintaining communication compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal transmission into separate channels: the output signal path and the communication signal path. By dividing the communication function into a dedicated channel, the system achieves faster data acquisition speeds while preserving the ability to use existing communication infrastructure
2Reliability
If many parameters or large amount of data are acquired from the field device for verification, then the soundness verification can be comprehensive, but much time is required to acquire and verify the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the field device perform self-verification internally before external data acquisition. The verification unit within the field device pre-processes and validates data locally, so that when external verification is needed, only essential results need to be transmitted, significantly reducing verification time while maintaining comprehensive check coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the field device to perform self-service verification through its internal verification unit. This self-verification capability allows the device to independently check its own parameters and data integrity, reducing the need for time-consuming external data acquisition and processing while ensuring verification accuracy
3Reliability
If external devices are used to verify the soundness of the field device, then comprehensive verification can be performed, but the checking operation efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by equipping the field device with an internal verification unit that can independently perform soundness verification. This eliminates the need for external devices to conduct basic verification, significantly improving checking efficiency while maintaining verification completeness through the device's own diagnostic capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the verification function into the field device itself by integrating the verification unit within the device architecture. This combination of verification capabilities within the field device enables comprehensive checks to be performed internally, eliminating the inefficiency of external device dependency while preserving verification thoroughness
Data Source
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AI summary
A field device, which measures a physical quantity in a plant or processes the physical quantity, includes: an instruction unit configured to output a verification execution instruction signal for instructing execution of verification of the field device; an operation verifying unit configured to verify an operation of at least one element of the field device in response to the verification execution instruction signal and to verify an operation of the field device based on the verification result; and an output unit configured to output the verification result which is a result of verification of the operation by the operation verifying unit.